“February 2003 was the 28th coldest February in Illinois since 1895, with temperatures of
25.7 degrees (4.5 degrees below average), and December–February was the 29th coldest winter
on record. Quite a plunge from last year when December–February ranked as the second warmest
winter on record in Illinois,” says State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water
Survey (http://www.sws.uiuc.edu), a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Precipitation across Illinois in February (see map) was 1.95 inches (101 percent of
average), continuing the pattern of the last six months: dry in northern Illinois, but near average
in southern Illinois. February snowfall ranged from 1–8 inches (north), 8–12 inches (central), to
10–15 inches (south) compared to what usually occurs: 6–10 inches (north), 4–6 inches
(central), to 3–4 inches (south). Statewide, precipitation this winter was 4.89 inches (75 percent
of average).

February temperatures ranged from a high of 67 degrees at Grand Tower on February 3 to
a low of -10 degrees at Mundelein on February 25. December–February temperatures averaged
26.6 degrees (1.6 degrees below average), compared to an average of 19.6 degrees during
1977–1978, the coldest winter on record.

“Historically, a colder-than-average winter does not necessarily lead to a cold spring or
even a dry spring, but there is an increased chance of a cooler-than-average summer,” says
Angel.

The National Weather Service is calling for slightly cooler and drier-than-average
conditions in March and a drier-than-average March–May. The current El Niño event, never
strong, has weakened further so its influence on Illinois weather also should fade.

“You’ve probably already noticed the extra daylight. Be patient. Spring is just around the
corner,” advises Angel.